FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Nescacman]

Bowdoin has a number of O line and D line players incoming this year.  Coach Hammer was just able to add his brother Blair Hammer to the coaching staff.  Blair Hammer was an All American defensive lineman at Wabash, and has considerable coaching experience at both the college and high school levels.  He also has considerable experience with Coach Hammer's defensive schemes, and will be able to help both the new DL line recruits and the existing defensive linemen with both their technique and their roles within the various defensive schemes.  They played together one year at Wabash when Coach Hammer was a senior and Blair Hammer was a freshman, and had 20 quarterback sacks between them.

Yessir, hopefully, HCOF MC Hammer and his brother have another year of eligibility and can have another 20 sacks between them as player-coaches for the woeful Polars...that's about what it what it will take for them to have more than 3 wins for the first time since 2011...

We've heard this story before...Murray, Wells, Cos, Hammer, Hall, and of course, Kelton were all going to come into the NESCAC and dominate...the only newbie recently from outside oif the NESCAC that has done anything of note is HCOF Raymond for the Ephs...most of the other recent successful NESCAC coaches came from within the NESCAC (Devanney and Dice to name two) which is why we like the Coyne hire so much...look for MID to follow that pattern with Mandigo and why we like Dwyer (another Whalen/Dice coaching tree guy) to be the next HCOF at Colby....

[Nescacman]

Trivia question for NESCAC fans: when was the last football game that Williams won with a starting QB other than Bobby Maimaron, and who was the starting QB in that game?

Great question!!! Was it Aaron Kelton?

Seriously...I think it was Austin Lommen in 2015 against one of the Maine teams....maybe UBates??? Long time...Bischoping started in 2018 against the Lord Mammoths after Bobby got hurt against Wes, but the Ephs lost to the Lord Jeffs that day in a close game...

We all assume that your "close game" comment was tongue-in-cheek Nescacman, as the final score was 45-14 for the Mammoths

It seems like this Board is not quite up to mid-season form yet...

Where's HartfordState0-8 when you need him?!?

[VoodooDoc]

Bowdoin has a number of O line and D line players incoming this year.  Coach Hammer was just able to add his brother Blair Hammer to the coaching staff.  Blair Hammer was an All American defensive lineman at Wabash, and has considerable coaching experience at both the college and high school levels.  He also has considerable experience with Coach Hammer's defensive schemes, and will be able to help both the new DL line recruits and the existing defensive linemen with both their technique and their roles within the various defensive schemes.  They played together one year at Wabash when Coach Hammer was a senior and Blair Hammer was a freshman, and had 20 quarterback sacks between them.

Yessir, hopefully, HCOF MC Hammer and his brother have another year of eligibility and can have another 20 sacks between them as player-coaches for the woeful Polars...that's about what it what it will take for them to have more than 3 wins for the first time since 2011...

We've heard this story before...Murray, Wells, Cos, Hammer, Hall, and of course, Kelton were all going to come into the NESCAC and dominate...the only newbie recently from outside oif the NESCAC that has done anything of note is HCOF Raymond for the Ephs...most of the other recent successful NESCAC coaches came from within the NESCAC (Devanney and Dice to name two) which is why we like the Coyne hire so much...look for MID to follow that pattern with Mandigo and why we like Dwyer (another Whalen/Dice coaching tree guy) to be the next HCOF at Colby....

Nescacman - I agree that it is too bad the Hammer brothers don't have some eligibility left.  They each left Wabash tied with 24.5 career sacks.  I don't think Coach Hammer came to Bowdoin promising an instant turn around.  Rather he has been in the process of building a solid base for the program.  If you compare his first season with no one that he recruited to last year with thanks to COVID two years of recruiting and some 5th year seniors, the team was much more competitive with a much improved offensive attack.  This year's recruiting was focused heavily on defensive and offensive linemen.  Coach Hammer's brother, who has both on the field credentials as a defensive lineman and on the sidelines as a coach, will help strengthen the defense. One more building block, among the many needed for the program.  If one compares the Nescac, with all the limitations, to other Division III conferences, it just can't happen overnight.   

[nescac1]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

[Scoops]

I don't think it's fair to say Colby is a bottom tier team this year. HCOF Cosgrove has made pretty significant strides with his program, and I believe the Mules have the pieces in place to make a jump into the top tier group! Will definitely hurt losing both coordinators, but their replacements have a lot of experience in this league. Don't be surprised if the Mules become a problem this season!

Bowdoin has a number of O line and D line players incoming this year.  Coach Hammer was just able to add his brother Blair Hammer to the coaching staff.  Blair Hammer was an All American defensive lineman at Wabash, and has considerable coaching experience at both the college and high school levels.  He also has considerable experience with Coach Hammer's defensive schemes, and will be able to help both the new DL line recruits and the existing defensive linemen with both their technique and their roles within the various defensive schemes.  They played together one year at Wabash when Coach Hammer was a senior and Blair Hammer was a freshman, and had 20 quarterback sacks between them.

Yessir, hopefully, HCOF MC Hammer and his brother have another year of eligibility and can have another 20 sacks between them as player-coaches for the woeful Polars...that's about what it what it will take for them to have more than 3 wins for the first time since 2011...

We've heard this story before...Murray, Wells, Cos, Hammer, Hall, and of course, Kelton were all going to come into the NESCAC and dominate...the only newbie recently from outside oif the NESCAC that has done anything of note is HCOF Raymond for the Ephs...most of the other recent successful NESCAC coaches came from within the NESCAC (Devanney and Dice to name two) which is why we like the Coyne hire so much...look for MID to follow that pattern with Mandigo and why we like Dwyer (another Whalen/Dice coaching tree guy) to be the next HCOF at Colby....

[Charlie]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

So what is the rule exactly. I know a great deal of players are getting the extra year because of COVID. Question though say a player comes in and fourth on depth chart but shows promising signs. Why would the Coach not use this philosophy if they have graduate school programs of red shirting the player. I get it there is no Red shirting in the NESCAC but would this not be a prudent way to have the player by his own volition take a medical exemption or some other type of exemption for the extra semester. Again do not know the rules can they practice but not play or is there completely no football for the semester just curious.

[The Mole]

Scoops, in order for them to become a top tier team they have to knock off Williams, Trinity or Wesleyan. All of those teams are loaded this year. I agree that they have improved, but those top tier teams have not regressed and return a lot of experience. If they can challenge (and beat) Amherst, Middlebury and Tufts they will open some eyes, for certain. But they have to beat one of the favorites to be in that conversation.

[Jonny Utah]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

So what is the rule exactly. I know a great deal of players are getting the extra year because of COVID. Question though say a player comes in and fourth on depth chart but shows promising signs. Why would the Coach not use this philosophy if they have graduate school programs of red shirting the player. I get it there is no Red shirting in the NESCAC but would this not be a prudent way to have the player by his own volition take a medical exemption or some other type of exemption for the extra semester. Again do not know the rules can they practice but not play or is there completely no football for the semester just curious.

If you play your cards right you can double major too.  Many liberal arts degrees only require around 10 courses within the major with the rest being electives or general education requirments. 

[Charlie]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

So what is the rule exactly. I know a great deal of players are getting the extra year because of COVID. Question though say a player comes in and fourth on depth chart but shows promising signs. Why would the Coach not use this philosophy if they have graduate school programs of red shirting the player. I get it there is no Red shirting in the NESCAC but would this not be a prudent way to have the player by his own volition take a medical exemption or some other type of exemption for the extra semester. Again do not know the rules can they practice but not play or is there completely no football for the semester just curious.

If you play your cards right you can double major too.  Many liberal arts degrees only require around 10 courses within the major with the rest being electives or general education requirments.

I get that part of education but what is the rule about taking a semester off or season off to keep football eligibility. I mean if a student knows that an extra semester would help play him play football and I understand this is not a D1 level program and there is no technical redshirting can they elect to simply take an extra semester if they are not on roster. If not on roster can they practice with team etc but simply not dress nor play in games. I am surprised if this rule is in place players are not taking advantage of this should a graduate program exist . I know the Coaches or Colleges can not make them but highly suggest they take this road. However is his available to the student and what are guidelines

[Jonny Utah]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

So what is the rule exactly. I know a great deal of players are getting the extra year because of COVID. Question though say a player comes in and fourth on depth chart but shows promising signs. Why would the Coach not use this philosophy if they have graduate school programs of red shirting the player. I get it there is no Red shirting in the NESCAC but would this not be a prudent way to have the player by his own volition take a medical exemption or some other type of exemption for the extra semester. Again do not know the rules can they practice but not play or is there completely no football for the semester just curious.

If you play your cards right you can double major too.  Many liberal arts degrees only require around 10 courses within the major with the rest being electives or general education requirments.

I get that part of education but what is the rule about taking a semester off or season off to keep football eligibility. I mean if a student knows that an extra semester would help play him play football and I understand this is not a D1 level program and there is no technical redshirting can they elect to simply take an extra semester if they are not on roster. If not on roster can they practice with team etc but simply not dress nor play in games. I am surprised if this rule is in place players are not taking advantage of this should a graduate program exist . I know the Coaches or Colleges can not make them but highly suggest they take this road. However is his available to the student and what are guidelines

I'm pretty sure "practicing but not playing or being on the roster" is redshirting and is not allowed at the d3 level.  Medical redshirts are still allowed.

[Charlie]

Trinity has its preview up and other than Girard, just about everyone of consequence is back.  Like Wesleyan, they seem absolutely loaded with veteran talent this year, including many key 5th-year guys:

https://bantamsports.com/news/2022/8/23/trinity-football-returns-nearly-entire-squad-in-2022.aspx

Trinity also has a very favorable schedule this year, with Williams and Wesleyan both at home, and no back-to-back games against top competition (the Tufts, Williams and Wesleyan games are very nicely spaced).  I think I'd say that make them the narrow pre-season favorite over Wesleyan, with Williams close behind both.

Fetter is listed as a senior but has two years of eligibility left, so it will be interesting if he returns as a grad student next year.  The NESCAC schools with graduate programs (Wesleyan, Tufts, and Trinity, I don't think anyone else has grad programs that are likely to attract any football guys) continue to have an advantage in terms of providing an option for players with eligibility who don't want to take a semester off ...

So what is the rule exactly. I know a great deal of players are getting the extra year because of COVID. Question though say a player comes in and fourth on depth chart but shows promising signs. Why would the Coach not use this philosophy if they have graduate school programs of red shirting the player. I get it there is no Red shirting in the NESCAC but would this not be a prudent way to have the player by his own volition take a medical exemption or some other type of exemption for the extra semester. Again do not know the rules can they practice but not play or is there completely no football for the semester just curious.

If you play your cards right you can double major too.  Many liberal arts degrees only require around 10 courses within the major with the rest being electives or general education requirments.

I get that part of education but what is the rule about taking a semester off or season off to keep football eligibility. I mean if a student knows that an extra semester would help play him play football and I understand this is not a D1 level program and there is no technical redshirting can they elect to simply take an extra semester if they are not on roster. If not on roster can they practice with team etc but simply not dress nor play in games. I am surprised if this rule is in place players are not taking advantage of this should a graduate program exist . I know the Coaches or Colleges can not make them but highly suggest they take this road. However is his available to the student and what are guidelines

I'm pretty sure "practicing but not playing or being on the roster" is redshirting and is not allowed at the d3 level.  Medical redshirts are still allowed.

ok I do not know what are the parameters on the Medical redshirt

[Pat Coleman]

To get a medical hardship season (commonly referred to as a medical redshirt), you have to play 33% of the season or less, get injured, not play any games in the second half of the season, and not practice.

[Nescacman]

I don't think it's fair to say Colby is a bottom tier team this year. HCOF Cosgrove has made pretty significant strides with his program, and I believe the Mules have the pieces in place to make a jump into the top tier group! Will definitely hurt losing both coordinators, but their replacements have a lot of experience in this league. Don't be surprised if the Mules become a problem this season!

Bowdoin has a number of O line and D line players incoming this year.  Coach Hammer was just able to add his brother Blair Hammer to the coaching staff.  Blair Hammer was an All American defensive lineman at Wabash, and has considerable coaching experience at both the college and high school levels.  He also has considerable experience with Coach Hammer's defensive schemes, and will be able to help both the new DL line recruits and the existing defensive linemen with both their technique and their roles within the various defensive schemes.  They played together one year at Wabash when Coach Hammer was a senior and Blair Hammer was a freshman, and had 20 quarterback sacks between them.

Yessir, hopefully, HCOF MC Hammer and his brother have another year of eligibility and can have another 20 sacks between them as player-coaches for the woeful Polars...that's about what it what it will take for them to have more than 3 wins for the first time since 2011...

We've heard this story before...Murray, Wells, Cos, Hammer, Hall, and of course, Kelton were all going to come into the NESCAC and dominate...the only newbie recently from outside oif the NESCAC that has done anything of note is HCOF Raymond for the Ephs...most of the other recent successful NESCAC coaches came from within the NESCAC (Devanney and Dice to name two) which is why we like the Coyne hire so much...look for MID to follow that pattern with Mandigo and why we like Dwyer (another Whalen/Dice coaching tree guy) to be the next HCOF at Colby....

Scoops, the Mules have (at best) a middle-level NESCAC QB and are completely devoid of proven playmakers. Plus, their offense was woeful in 2021. This team was dead last in the NESCAC in '21 in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense and were 8th in passing offense. Unless Bryce Young just transferred to Waterville, we're afraid that is too large of a (Mayflower) hill to climb for the Mules in '22. UBates is the team to watch up north, we're afraid.

[Nescacman]

To get a medical hardship season (commonly referred to as a medical redshirt), you have to play 33% of the season or less, get injured, not play any games in the second half of the season, and not practice.

Oh great one, we believe that in D3, you must apply to the NCAA for special dispensation to use the medical redshirt provision for a player. Also, we believe in the NESCAC, the league must also approve. We might be wrong but believe those are the rules to prevent abuse.

[Pat Coleman]

To get a medical hardship season (commonly referred to as a medical redshirt), you have to play 33% of the season or less, get injured, not play any games in the second half of the season, and not practice.

Oh great one, we believe that in D3, you must apply to the NCAA for special dispensation to use the medical redshirt provision for a player. Also, we believe in the NESCAC, the league must also approve. We might be wrong but believe those are the rules to prevent abuse.

This is all true -- in every conference, the conference office is where this goes through.

None of what you said contradicts what I said, so I'm confused by the preamble to your statement which I bolded above.